Having qualified by seeing off Ajax in the Europa League final in May, United are now almost guaranteed to be in the knockout stages come the New Year.

Neighbours Manchester City, though, also stand a good chance of progressing far in the Champions League.

Pep Guardiola’s side have an almost identical record with three wins from three, eight goals scored and one conceded.

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Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

“United with Mourinho they can give themselves a chance in every game”

Owen Hargreaves

While Hargreaves’ other former club City have been more fluid in front of goal this season, the two-time Champions League winner is backing Jose Mourinho to work his magic with United.

“Well obviously the group phases have been pretty unkind to Manchester City in the past,” Hargreaves exclusively told Starsport.

“Even this one, I don’t think is that straightforward. Napoli’s a terrific team, so is Shakhtar. But I think City at the moment the way they are playing they look a match for virtually anyone.

“But then United with Mourinho they can give themselves a chance in every game. They’ve started their campaign brilliantly.

“They won’t be as explosive on the eye as Manchester City but you saw in the Europa League final last year against Ajax Mourinho will have a game plan. He let Ajax have the ball and he picked them off.

He added: “I just think City, as good as Napoli have been all season, can beat most teams on current form, and I’m not sure United have let the reigns off yet.

“Mourinho plays a specific way and gets results. But if City get a goal up on you, you’re in big trouble.”

With both Manchester clubs looking to maintain their 100 per cent records, United host Benfica next in the Champions League, while City go to Napoli in a fortnight.

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